BBB reports student exchange scam uses UNCG address as headquarters

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Better Business Bureau of Greensboro reported The Study in US Partnership student exchange website is a scam; using UNCG’s admissions address as its U.S. headquarters office.

Known as SUS Partnership for short, the website claims to be a successful foreign exchange program for the past 10 years complete with student reviews.

On the website, 1400 Spring Garden St. is listed as the headquarters office, which is the address for the visitor and undergraduate admissions building at UNCG.

A woman from Minnesota, Patty Lebens said she saw an ad on Craigslist for research help and saw it as an opportunity to work from home.

“I also did the Google search on the address and stuff like that and it was coming up that it was part of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro campus. I was like this a great thing that they’re doing,” Lebens said.

Lebens said SUS Partnership have her assignments to research entertainment and housing options for the students.

Lebens said she called the Better Business Bureau in Greensboro when she noted more than $3,000 wired to her bank account from the company.

BBB president and CEO Kevin Hinterberger said anytime a third party is involved in wiring money to students, it’s usually a scam.

“Our inclination is to think that at some point the check that she would have received is going to bounce. She would have already wired that money overseas and it’s gone, and then on she’s on the hook for whatever that amount was,” Hinterberger said.

Paul Mason with UNCG confirmed that SUS Partnership is not affiliated with the university in any way and anyone who wants to get involved in their student exchange program should contact UNCG directly.

FOX8 called the number listed on the website for information and comment but the phone call was not returned.